"When in doubt, go to the library." - J.K. Rowling
Dr. Mac Woodward, native and former resident of Coleman was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Woodward. His grandparents were Jude and Mrs. J.O. Woodward and Mr. and Mrs. W. R. McClellan, all Coleman County pioneers. At the age of 10, Dr. "Mac" Woodward started a collection of Texas history books.
In October of 1991 his wife and family presented his special collection to the library. The collection contains approximately 762 titles of books about Texas with a number of first editions, journals, scrapbooks, photographs and three manuscript documents of historical interest including one by Stephen F. Austin, a founding father of Texas.
Dr. Mac Woodward was a graduate of the University of Texas, and the Louisiana State University Medical School at New Orleans. He interned at Jeff Davis Hospital in Houston. For a short time, he practiced medicine in Coleman. After his marriage to Mary Robinson of Huntsville, he moved to Huntsville where he practiced until illness forced his retirement. Close friends indicate he never forgot his Coleman roots.
Among the collection's strengths are publications by the Texas Folklore Society, Texas Almanacs (50 volumes dating from 1857 - 1985), historical accounts of the cattle trade, county histories, and biographies of Texas leaders and personalities including:
The Coleman Public Library Genealogy/Local History section houses several Coleman County history books including: "A History of Coleman County and Coleman County Cemetery Inscription" by Ralph Terry, "Into the Setting Sun" by Beatrice Gay, "Camp Colorado" by T. R. Havins, "Indian Fighting on the Texas Frontier" by John M. Elkins, "Bannister Was There" by Leona Bruce. These are just a few. This section totals approximately 120 titles of Coleman County history books and annuals. Also available are local family histories, Texas Reference manuals, surrounding Texas County history books and several books on research and states outside of Texas.
In years past, the library has struggled with the newspaper archives on microfilm. For the last two years, we have diligently worked to digitalize all of the newspaper archives and can proudly announce that project has been completed. These archives can be easily accessed through the computer located in the Genealogy section of the Annex Building of the library. We appreciate the Coleman DV and Chronicle helping us provide this service to our patrons.
Another service the library provides for the genealogy patron is requests for obituaries. There is a 25¢ fee per page for requested paper copies.